Readout of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Grady’s Meeting with Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape

July 9, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Joint Staff Spokesperson Air Force Col. Robert Firman provided the following readout:

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Christopher Grady welcomed Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, July 9, 2025, as part of the United States' continued focus on strengthening defense relationships across the Pacific Islands region.

The leaders discussed progress made since the signing of the U.S.-Papua New Guinea Defense Cooperation Agreement and exchanged perspectives on advancing defense collaboration in key areas such as enhanced security cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and joint training.

Adm. Grady emphasized the importance of building capacity through shared efforts and reaffirmed the Department of Defense's commitment to working alongside Papua New Guinea in support of common security objectives. Both leaders recognized the vital role of Papua New Guinea and underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and continued cooperation in addressing evolving regional challenges.

This engagement reflects the strategic partnership between the United States and Papua New Guinea and underscores a mutual commitment to strengthen peace, stability, and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific region.

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